Argentina eliminated Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic round-of-32 match, a result that has ignited a firestorm of controversy over video assistant referee (VAR) decisions. The Egyptian Football Association issued a scathing official statement, calling the officiating a "total scandal" and demanding a review. The defeat ends Egypt's World Cup run and sends the defending champions into the quarterfinals.
Cape Verde's Roberto 'Pico' Lopes, a standout performer for the tournament's surprise package, returned to Dublin on Monday after his side pushed Argentina to the limit in a 3-2 loss. Elsewhere in qualifying, Champions League action saw 41-year-old Nano score for Lincoln Red Imps against Shamrock Rovers in Gibraltar, becoming the oldest scorer of the European club season.
The quarterfinal bracket is now set, with eight teams remaining. Argentina will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent as they seek to repeat as champions. The tournament's expanded format—featuring 48 teams for the first time—has produced several upsets and tight matches, with the host nations USA, Canada, and Mexico still in contention.
Up next for the knockout rounds, all matches will be broadcast across multiple networks in North America. The Egyptian FA has not indicated whether it will file a formal protest with FIFA, but the association's statement suggests a potential appeal over the VAR handling of key incidents.
"The official statement from the EFA made clear their anger and frustration," reported Sky Sports, capturing the mood in Cairo. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team's resilience but acknowledged the VAR decisions were "tight calls."